Category: lips

Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo

As I’ve come to know Hourglass Cosmetics, the brand more and more just screams sexy to me. Their packaging, products and luxury send me directly to a sultry place. So I wasn’t surprised to see their newest launch “Notorious Nudes” Femme Nude Lip Stylo is particularly seductive.

This set of six nude lip crayons have a creamy, medium to full-coverage formula and satin finish. The texture is close to lipstick and not unlike the NARS Velvet Lip Pencils. Like other Hourglass products, the packaging is nothing less than ultimate luxury. The heavy metal tube is modern and robust. There is no sharpening this guy – the actual product is retractable making precise application a breeze. Even on my dry lips, the vitamin E packed formula doesn’t cake or flake. It is also paraben, phthalates, fragrance and sulfate free and not tested on animals.

The six shades span quite a range, ensuring all skin tones can find their perfect match. I’ve been wearing Nude No 4, a pink beige nude with a touch of deep rose. It looks like a very slightly lighter shade than my natural skin tone with more pink. Other available shades:

Nude No 1 – A pale pink nude, the lightest of the collection.
Nude No 2 – A honey beige nude with a warm tint.
Nude No 3 – A medium rose nude with a hint of pink.
Nude No 5 – A golden peach nude with luminosity.
Nude No 6 – A mauve nude, the deepest nude of the collection.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Summer Favorites From Opinion Nothing

What better way to round out my week of guest posts than the fabulous JM from OpinionNothing.com. This girl has style not to mention is always up on what’s new in beauty living in the fabulous New York City. I asked her to share some of her favorites to beat the crazy heat this summer in the Big Apple:

When temperatures soar and humidity caps off at 100%, my favorite summer beauty products rise to the occasion. Whether I’m headed to the office or out to brunch with my girlfriends, these warm weather essentials keep me looking my best!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder ($45) – This magic face powder comes in six shades and uses photoluminescent technology to soften light as it reflects off the skin. I like using Dim Light with a big, fluffy brush to set my foundation. It’s not a traditional mattifying powder, but I don’t mind a little bit of healthy shine.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation with SPF 15 ($45) – I love Vitalumiere Aqua because it gives medium, buildable coverage yet still feels light like a tinted moisturizer. I can apply it with my fingers or an array of foundation brushes and my dry-to-combination skin looks great every time. BONUS: travel-friendly packaging and a luxurious scent.

NARS single eyeshadow in New York ($24) – Red eyeshadow is difficult to wear without looking like you have pinkeye, but New York is rich enough to pull off. It’s perfect for adding dimension to a neutral, summer-appropriate smoky eye or simply smudged along the lash line for a grungy pop of color. It pains me to say that New York is no longer available as a single eyeshadow, but you can still find it in the splurge-worthy NARS Loves New York palette.

Lipstick Queen in Hello Sailor ($25) – My number one lipstick pick for summer! Hello Sailor looks bright blue in the bullet, but the sheer, moisturizing formula works with natural lip color to create a shade of berry unique to every wearer. It makes teeth look whiter too! Literally my lips, but better.

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Hyde Park ($25) – Red lipstick instantly perks up a simple look, but not when it’s melting off your face, or worse, in your purse. The latest Stalin Lip Pencils from NARS pass the test in both categories and Hyde Park, a gorgeous rosy red, is perfect for day or night.

Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle Remover ($4.59) – No one appreciates a good at-home manicure like I do and step one is using the right tools. Resist the urge to use cuticle scissors. After five minutes wearing the gel, my cuticles are soft and trim. A quick wash with some soap and my nails are ready for bright colors!

Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Cleansing Mask ($5.49) – Before we go crazy thinking our pores are filled with dirt, let’s remind ourselves that blackheads are most often caused by oxidized oils, not filth. This cleansing mask contains both silica and salicylic acid to remove excess oils, leaving skin clean and blackhead-free in between facials. I like to apply it with a synthetic flat foundation brush for a spa-like feel at home.

I leave for summer vacation in less than two weeks (bonjour, Paris!) and you can bet I’m making room in my carry-on for everything on this list. With great skin, a perfect pout, and groomed nails, I’m ready to beat the heat on both sides of the Atlantic.

Style Cusp’s Summer Beauty Routine

This week, I am bound for the Dominican Republic for some decadent beach time! Each day this week, I am featuring a guest post from some of my favorite bloggers. No better way to kick it off than with one of my first blogging friends, Marissa from The Style Cusp! She’s a fashion and lifestyle blogger with killer hair and beauty know-how. Today, she is sharing some of her summer beauty routine. Enjoy!:

My summer beauty routine is simple and fuss free. When I’ve spent a day lounging at the pool or am headed to dinner with girlfriends after an extremely humid Northeast day, the last thing I want to do is pile on makeup only to have it melt off. I usually stick to my trusty basics.

1. EOS // I am obsessed with this little things! I have a few scattered around my apartment, in my purse, and in my beach bag. They are a mix between chapstick and a gloss and give my lips a nice little shine – not to mention their flavors are beyond yummy!

2. Falsies Mascara // I’ve tried loads of mascaras, but always come back to this one. I swear by this little $6 tube! It keeps my lashes long and full – something we all are always on the hunt for in a mascara.

3. NARS Torrid // My top blush/bronzer pick is always NARS. Their shades are always just what I’m looking for and complement my skin tone perfectly. I love Torrid against a little sun kissed skin after a day at the beach or pool.

4. Essie // It’s no secret that I’m a essieaholic! You’ll found bottle after bottle scattered all over my place. I’m constantly switching up what’s on my fingertips, but you best believe there’s never a day I’m without some color. My current favorites are turquoise + caicos, blanc, and bottle service.

What’s your summer beauty routine? Any favorites I should try? Stop on over my blog or send me a tweet (@stylecusp) + let me know!

Summer Favorites From Jouer Cosmetics

Oh how I’ve had a love affair with Jouer. Way back in the early days of the blog – almost two and a half years ago – I sung the praises of Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint thanks to an intro by Birchbox. I was hooked and quickly added The Weekender Collection and the Mini Tinted Lip Enhancers Kit to my collection. I’m so glad to have this classic and modern cosmetics line back on the blog today with some of my favorites from their summer collection.

First up, Jouer Mattifying Powder Bronzer, is the perfect matte bronze for contouring. The formula leaves a smooth and blended matte finish while never looking cakey or dry. The formula contains Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract and Aloe Vera to help improve skin’s texture while you wear it.

My summer lip of choice these days is a lipstick/balm blend: Jouer Lip Sheers. I love that the formula contains SPF 15 to keep me protected. And this balm has an unusually high level of hydration. My lips get just the touch of color I crave in the summer, not to mention are adequately moisturized without looking flaky. My favorite shades are Antigua (Sheer Honey Peach with very little rosiness) and Maui (a pinkier nude).

What’s In My Beach Bag

In less than a week, I am bound for the Caribbean! Knowing me, I’ve been pondering exactly what is going to go in that precious space to keep me safe and looking beautiful in the sand.

eos “Basket of Fruit” Smooth Sphere Lip Balm Pack is a four-pack of juicy long-time lip balm favorites including limited edition Fresh Watermelon. Also included are Strawberry Sorbet, Summer Fruit and Pomegranate Raspberry Smooth Sphere Lip Balms. The formula has great hydration and I love the ergonomic design of the spheres. Not to mention, they are easy to find at the bottom and a full and large beach bag! Recyclable and gluten-free.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ After Sun Lotion is the first and only after sun product combining indulgent ribbons of gel and lotion infused with silk protein and shea butter to provide luxurious moisturization for a full 24 hours. Ribbons of aloe soothe and refresh the skin from the effects of the sun, while silk protein shea butter ribbons of lotion provide incredible moisturization that leaves skin feeling hydrated, healthy and radiant.

Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15 is my go to face SPF because it has never been the least bit irritating. It is also oil-free, avoiding those pesky summer clogged pores. And even while I am staying protected, the formula includes added vitamins. I also love the Soothing Facial Toner for a refreshing clean to get off all the grime and sunscreen at the end of the day.

Tanee Tan Line Corrector, is an innovative product to eliminate those annoying tan lines. Using a pen-like applicator, just color in where you need some extra color and you’ll get an all-natural self-tan exactly where you need it. I get instant color and the shade deepens over a couple hours. No need to fret those bikini straps or strapless dresses!

Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater is the perfect, refreshing mist to for a pick-me-up on a hot day. The Aloe and Herbs help hydrate tight skin. I also love the way this looks under makeup for a rosy, nourished glow. It is incredibly gentle and well suited for sensitive skin.

Beach bag available here. Beach towel available here.

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program. Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

Technology in Beauty on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country

Today, I am back on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country to discuss all the latest and greatest in the skin care industry. The rapid pace of technological advances has made skin care a makeup and exciting place. Below are some of my five favorite things out of the labs that change the way we take care of ourselves!

NUFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device is clinically tested to improve facial contour, skin tone, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles by delivering soft wave microcurrent. But now this little tool has an even better perk: it has been found to enhance the absorption of other water-based products (aka so many of my favorite serums!). ($325 at Nordstrom)

Speaking of Hyaluronic acid, the newest from Trish McEvoy, Beauty Booster Serum is an exclusive and new formulation packed with the hydrating ingredient and dual action peptides. My skin was immediately smoothed and hydrated with just one application. Not to mention it looks more radiant without being greasy. Can’t wait to try it with my NUFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device. ($128 at Saks)

BB were once all the range, but CC creams are coming on strong. And it isn’t just hoopla. Cosmetic companies have found a way to marry foundation or tinted moisturizer with skin care ingredients to great benefit for us consumers. CC Creams also help correct discoloration often with slightly more coverage. The new Supergoop! ‘Daily Correct’ CC Cream Broad Spectrum has a whooping SPF 35. Going above and beyond, it also contains anti-aging benefits and super antioxidants to help fight free-radical, wrinkle-forming damage. ($32 at Ulta) Clinique’s Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30 Hydrating Colour Corrector instantly blurs imperfections and leaves a glowy, even finish. I particularly love it for drier skin. ($35 at Saks)

Sometimes the best new technology comes from natural itself. Kate Somerville discovered the Dilo nut on recent travels and transformed it into an oil that has been a champion at improving signs of aging. The natural oils in Kate Somerville Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment work to improve hydration and strengthen moisture barrier. I’ve found that I get a glow even though it is so quickly absorbed. ($65 at Sephora)

While Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain has been around for a couple months, its weightless liquid formula is still transformative. The newest shades feature a shimmer with a luminous 3D effect. You get glossy, hydration with amazing lasting power whether you opt for matte or shimmer. ($34 at Saks)